Posted tagged ‘Mario Viana’

The pre-conference screening of Love and Punishment has just wrapped up here in the Gold Room of the Fairmont Hotel. Co-directors Dr. Micel Meignant and Mario Viana made a compelling case for an end to spanking and other forms of corporal punishment in their native country of France, and Viana himself made up an important part of the film as his sessions in a new form of therapy, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing), helped him to overcome trauma from his memories of physical abuse by former teachers in his childhood. The film covers a wide spread of viewpoints from psychologists, doctors and therapists from around the world, and makes a point of gauging the reaction of the French public to new movements made to end corporal punishment in the country. (29 countries around the world have banned all forms of corporal punishment- it is Meignant’s hope that the movement will continue to spread in France as well.) The film provides a wealth of information on the subject and is presented in a conversational, lucid tone. A brief Q&A with Dr. Meignant followed the screening.

The official conference is expected to start at 7 p.m. here in the Gold Room, and I’ll post a blog on that after it ends at 9 p.m.

Also of note- There will be post-conference entertainment tonight from 9 p.m. to midnight at Sambuca Uptown (2120 McKinney St, a courtesy trolley ride from the Fairmont Hotel will get you there in no time.) Three hours of entertainment and information will be mixed throughout the night, some examples include: Texas HB 359, The Paddle Dance, Musical Child Protective Laws, Is There A Doctor In The House?, Unlimited Justice, The Skin Of A Drum, and The Danger Zone. You can also participate in on-location filming for an upcoming documentary by requesting to speak upon arrival at the door. Drinks and appetizers will be served. For more information, visit www.TheHittingStopsHere.com. (Email at info@thehittingstopshere.com or call at 408-509-6835 as well.)

The stage is being reset and camera tripods are showing up now for what should be a great opening segment. I’ll have more for you later!